Pakistan’s Tehrik-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan is confident of ushering in a bright future for the country if his party sweeps to power in the elections next year. In an exclusive interview with The Gulf Today’s Senior Editors Inayat-ur-Rahman and Mian Mujahid Shah in Islamabad, the leader discusses his reformist plans

ISLAMABAD: Dubai has been a success story. The secret behind the development of the emirate is its wise leadership. The emirate is marching ahead in terms of prosperity, growth rate and good governance. It has maximised its growth potential in a very short span of time. We should learn from its visionary leadership for transforming it into the City of Wonders. This was stated by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan during an exclusive interview recently with The Gulf Today at his residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad.

Imran noted that the Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties are on a solid growth track, adding that he is keen to further enhance the relations with his brotherly Muslim country if his party comes to power in the upcoming general elections.

Answering a question, the PTI chairman lauded the role of the overseas Pakistanis in the country’s development.

“Overseas Pakistanis are one of the greatest assets of the country. The PTI is planning to go to the Supreme Court to secure voting rights for them ahead of the 2018 general elections,” said Imran.

The PTI chief criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government and the election commission for ignoring the overseas Pakistanis to give them voting rights despite strong demands from his party.

The PTI chairman also appreciated the role of overseas Pakistanis in contributing a massive amount of foreign exchange.

Pakistan is receiving over $20 billion of remittances annually. The country is fully dependent on these remittances due to a huge drop in exports. The government should work for their welfare and there should be one window operation in their business dealings if they are interested in investing back home,” Imran mentioned.

The PTI chief suggested that there should be a separate secretariat under the prime minister’s office for overseas Pakistanis.

Answering a question about the early elections in the country, Imran said that it was in the best interest of the country to go for polls.

When someone’s mandate becomes suspicious then fresh election must be held.”

Answering another question about awarding tickets to PTI members, Imran clarified that he would personally nominate candidates for the upcoming elections.

The PTI chief acknowledged that he made some mistakes in giving away tickets for seats in the 2013 elections due to shortage of time and his busy schedule in campaigns.

NEW DIRECTION

When asked about the formation of alliance in the 2018 elections, Imran said that he would never form any political alliances with the PML-N and PPP, because their leaders are facing huge corruption charges, adding that he can only consider an alliance with other political parties if they are interested.

“This time we are well prepared to participate in the election process and will not allow any sort of rigging. We are planning to host special workshops to educate polling agents and stake holders to ensure free and fair election,” said Imran.

He criticised the foreign policy of Pakistan, adding that his country is heading towards isolation due to a weak foreign policy.

He mentioned that he would give a new direction to the foreign policy of Pakistan after coming to power. The PTI chief stated that he would try to bring Pakistan back on track in order to stand on its feet.

Imran expressed his optimism over the judicial system of his country.

He termed Adeala Jail (prison) as the next destination of the ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

“The poor and underprivileged people of the country are facing hardships due to the wrong polices of the PML-N government,” said the PTI chief.

The PTI, after coming to power, would correct all these wrongdoings and provide equal opportunities to every citizen.

Answering a question about PTI achievements in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, he elaborated that his party has done much more than any other political forces in the last 30 years.

“We have made life much easier for the common man in the KP province.

“For the first time in the history of Pakistan we have managed police reforms. We ensured peace and security in the province. We empowered the local government,” he added.

“Our party made huge reforms in education and the healthcare sector.

“We are planning to develop small dams and minerals. The Peshawar Rapid Bus Metro project and Swat Express Way will be completed on time.”

He mentioned that they are opening more avenues to boost tourism sector in the KP, mentioning that the billion trees tsunami project is marching ahead, which would add more flavour to the beauty of KP.

The PTI chief expressed his optimism that his party would sweep the general election.

Imran expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the people of Upper Dir during his visit to the city last month.